Alaska's cities

Eagle River, Alaska

Community is Anchorage's largest suburb

Alaska.com

The companion towns of Eagle River and Chugiak are northeast of Anchorage -- but part of the Municipality of Anchorage -- along the Glenn Highway.

Eagle River is in the Municipality of Anchorage, between Fort Richardson and Chugach State Park. About 30,000 people live in the Eagle River and Chugiak areas, on both sides of the Glenn Highway.

The 2000 census found a population of 18,000 in Eagle River and an additional 10,000 in the settlements northeast of Eagle River -- Chugiak, Birchwood, Peters Creek, Thunderbird Falls and Eklutna. Many personnel from Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base live in Eagle River, and many of the area's civilian residents commute to Anchorage jobs.

The town sits along the Eagle River east of the Glenn Highway. The Eagle River Nature Center, sitting at an entrance to Chugach State Park, is 12 miles up Eagle River Road. A state campground is located where the Glenn crosses the river, and a state prison is nearby.

Rafting the river is a popular activity. There is no fishing to speak of in the river, but anglers do gather at Fire and Mirror lakes.

Eagle River is the shopping hub between Anchorage and Palmer-Wasilla. Chugiak High School is northeast of town.

Community events include the Highland Games and the Bear Paw Festival.

Climate

Eagle River's average temperatures in January range from 6 to 20 degrees; in summer, temperatures range from 50 to 70. Annual precipitation is 15.9 inches, with 69 inches of snowfall.

History

The name Eagle River was first reported in 1939 by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Eagle River/Chugiak area was settled by homesteaders and prospered on agricultural activities. The Eagle River post office was established in 1961.